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Tyndale Old Testament Commentary #3
Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary (Volume 3)
Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference for 2014 (Old Testament Commentaries). Levitical rules and regulations can at first appear irrelevant to contemporary Christians--but they provide important Old Testament background for understanding large portions of the New Testament. Leviticus describes a point in human history when God came and dwelt in the midst of the ancient Israelites and taught them what their purpose in life really was. Jay Sklar's commentary makes clear what it is that the Lord said to them and, in so doing, makes clear what he says to us today.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
53 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Jay Sklar
32 books8 followersJay Sklar (PhD, the University of Gloucestershire), is Professor Old Testament and VP of Academics at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. His doctoral research was completed under Gordon Wenham and focused on the sacrificial system in Exodus through Numbers, resulting in the book
Sin, Impurity, Sacrifice, Atonement: The Priestly Conceptions
. He has continued to focus his work on the Bible’s first five books, writing commentaries on
Numbers
(Story of God, Zondervan) and two on Leviticus (
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament
, Zondervan;
Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
, IVP). He has also co-authored a
Leviticus Bible study
and written supplementary books on Leviticus (
Additional Notes on Leviticus
) and Numbers
Additional Notes on Numbers
). He has just submitted a commentary on Exodus for Crossway’s ESV Expository Commentary series (for which he serves as one of three general editors and in which he wrote the commentary on
Jonah
.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 20, 2023
VERY helpful commentary. This helped change my perspective on the Book of Leviticus from a bunch of rules that just show how much they needed Jesus into a book that shows repeatedly how holy the Lord is and how much the Lord desires to be with and near to His people. Very good book.
February 26, 2023
This is an excellent overview of Leviticus! I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to understand Leviticus. The section on meaning at the end of each section really helped me think through how ancient Israel would apply these texts as well as how Christian’s should consider applying them now that Christ has come.
October 26, 2018
Years ago I taught a series of classes through Leviticus for the congregation I served then in west Texas. One day as we were wading through a particularly difficult passage, one of the women shouted out, "Why are we even studying this book? It doesn't make any sense and it doesn't matter, anyway!" Jay Sklar, professor of Old Testament and dean of faculty at Covenant Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, gives students of the Bible renewed reasons to read and relish this biblical book in his 336 page softback commentary, "Leviticus". This third volume in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series hands parishioners, pastors, and professors a learned, and yet lucid resource that will be referred to for years.
Sklar's introduction alone is worth the price of the book. In the introduction the author maps out reasons for Leviticus, and how it should be read and heard. The author shows how law is not graceless, but flows out of redeeming grace; "the law does not create relationship with the Lord; it regulates an existing relationship" (42). He also explains why Leviticus should not be perceived as a blood-thirsty manuscript, but one that restores hope, reclaims a clearer perspective of a gracious and merciful God, and reorients our view of the landscape. Leviticus "does more than answer questions raised by its immediate literary and historical context. It also casts a vision rooted in the Bible's larger story and, in particular, in creation" (28).
The remainder of the book walks through the whole of Leviticus at a healthy pace. It doesn't bog down to rubbernecking speed, nor does it race past important details or difficulties. At appropriate places Sklar lays out charts that give an easily grasped visual to unfamiliar technicalities. My favorite areas of the book are the "meaning" sections where the author takes the subjects just covered and applies them in ways that are devotional, applicable and remedial.
One would not think that simply reading a commentary through at leisure is normal; and it's not. But I actually read through "Leviticus" as personal reading, and found it enjoyable! Therefore I sincerely think it will make a great addition to any Bible student's library. Not only should you grab a copy for yourself, but get one for you minister as a present. I gladly recommend the book.
Sklar's introduction alone is worth the price of the book. In the introduction the author maps out reasons for Leviticus, and how it should be read and heard. The author shows how law is not graceless, but flows out of redeeming grace; "the law does not create relationship with the Lord; it regulates an existing relationship" (42). He also explains why Leviticus should not be perceived as a blood-thirsty manuscript, but one that restores hope, reclaims a clearer perspective of a gracious and merciful God, and reorients our view of the landscape. Leviticus "does more than answer questions raised by its immediate literary and historical context. It also casts a vision rooted in the Bible's larger story and, in particular, in creation" (28).
The remainder of the book walks through the whole of Leviticus at a healthy pace. It doesn't bog down to rubbernecking speed, nor does it race past important details or difficulties. At appropriate places Sklar lays out charts that give an easily grasped visual to unfamiliar technicalities. My favorite areas of the book are the "meaning" sections where the author takes the subjects just covered and applies them in ways that are devotional, applicable and remedial.
One would not think that simply reading a commentary through at leisure is normal; and it's not. But I actually read through "Leviticus" as personal reading, and found it enjoyable! Therefore I sincerely think it will make a great addition to any Bible student's library. Not only should you grab a copy for yourself, but get one for you minister as a present. I gladly recommend the book.
September 10, 2020
Leviticus is one of the great neglected books of the Bible, but to the Israelites, it was one of the most treasured. Sklar does an excellent job explaining to the modern reader not only why Leviticus was such an important book to Ancient Israel but also why it is important to the church today.
The background of Leviticus, as Sklar explains, is the nation of Israel living with their Holy God. Since Holy God dwells in the midst of the camp of Israel, the people are greatly blessed but it is dangerous to approach God in an unholy condition. The laws contained in Leviticus all have to do with how sinful man can dwell in the presence of Holy God, either in the form of reminders to treat God as holy or ways to provide atonement for man.
Sklar’s particular strength is that he takes laws and ceremonies that seem very foreign and arbitrary to us (such as the slaying of a dove in a clay pot over running water) and make sense of them. He does this by explaining the historical context, exploring the underlying principle and tracing the observance of the law to its logical conclusion. Sklar is also good at showing the structure of the book and provides numerous helpful charts to this effect. Additionally, there are helpful points of application to the church in New Testament times, some of which are surprising coming from someone with a Reformed background. It seems that Sklar can see that obedience was necessary to enjoy grace under the Old Testament system and even makes some applications to New Testament times. That same Reformed background needs a note of caution for readers of this book because it occasionally manifests as Calvinistic teaching.
The background of Leviticus, as Sklar explains, is the nation of Israel living with their Holy God. Since Holy God dwells in the midst of the camp of Israel, the people are greatly blessed but it is dangerous to approach God in an unholy condition. The laws contained in Leviticus all have to do with how sinful man can dwell in the presence of Holy God, either in the form of reminders to treat God as holy or ways to provide atonement for man.
Sklar’s particular strength is that he takes laws and ceremonies that seem very foreign and arbitrary to us (such as the slaying of a dove in a clay pot over running water) and make sense of them. He does this by explaining the historical context, exploring the underlying principle and tracing the observance of the law to its logical conclusion. Sklar is also good at showing the structure of the book and provides numerous helpful charts to this effect. Additionally, there are helpful points of application to the church in New Testament times, some of which are surprising coming from someone with a Reformed background. It seems that Sklar can see that obedience was necessary to enjoy grace under the Old Testament system and even makes some applications to New Testament times. That same Reformed background needs a note of caution for readers of this book because it occasionally manifests as Calvinistic teaching.
Read
November 24, 2016Leviticus is a difficult book to understand, and quite the challenge for pastors and teachers. One of the difficulties is that it’s impossible to dip one’s toe in and expect any payoff. To truly understand and benefit, one must plunge into the deep end of the Levitical world of sacrifices, rituals, and purity laws. That’s to say, the application is found in the strange and complex details, not apart from them. At the same time, it can become easy to start sinking in the details. What one needs is a sure-handed help to keep one’s head above the water; one that not only understands the details, but is able to simplify them and direct one to what matters most. This is exactly what one finds in the Tyndale (TOTC) Leviticus commentary by Jay Sklar. Sklar is fluent with Leviticus, but also gifted at clarifying the hazy, or bringing close the distant.
In his introduction Sklar notes that “God’s purpose for his people in Leviticus is in many ways a return to his purpose for humanity in creation” (p28). In other words, Leviticus, perhaps surprisingly, is a return to Eden. As to authorship, Moses “was the source and author of much of the book” (p35), but some portions may have had a later editor. Solar also explains important theological foundations to the book, such as covenant, redemption, sin, (im)purity, and atonement. In this latter section Sklar defends the notion that kipper refers to “ransom-puficiation” (p53): it both rescues from wrath (ransom), and cleanses sin and impurity (purification). Solar also tackles the notorious questions of “which laws apply to Christians”, and “how do they apply”, providing several useful categories that deal with the vast majority of instances. Finally, he treats the subject of Jesus’ fulfillment of Leviticus. Throughout this excellent survey, Sklar is a sure-footed and clear guide.
In the commentary proper, each unit is treated in three ways. First, the context is set. Next, there is the commentary on a single verse or, more usually, several linked verses. Finally, Sklar attempts to explain the meaning for OT Israel then and the NT church now. Solar is abundantly talented in making sense of complicated matters without dumbing them down. Aiding this goal is that numerous tables that visually simplify and summarize the details of Levitical law are scattered throughout.
Sklar’s commentary is a delight to read. Those wanting more thorough commentary, detailed engagement with the Hebrew text, literary analysis, or a survey and rebuttal of scholarly opinions will want to go elsewhere. That said, this should not be overlooked by teachers as a “popular level” commentary that has nothing to offer the serious student. As with most of the TOTC volumes (or their NT counterparts), the content is rich and concise. For the reader of Leviticus who wants a clear and short commentary that doesn’t overlook the details, I cannot recommend a better work than Sklar’s Leviticus.
Many thanks to IVP for providing a review copy of this series. I was not required to provide a positive review.
In his introduction Sklar notes that “God’s purpose for his people in Leviticus is in many ways a return to his purpose for humanity in creation” (p28). In other words, Leviticus, perhaps surprisingly, is a return to Eden. As to authorship, Moses “was the source and author of much of the book” (p35), but some portions may have had a later editor. Solar also explains important theological foundations to the book, such as covenant, redemption, sin, (im)purity, and atonement. In this latter section Sklar defends the notion that kipper refers to “ransom-puficiation” (p53): it both rescues from wrath (ransom), and cleanses sin and impurity (purification). Solar also tackles the notorious questions of “which laws apply to Christians”, and “how do they apply”, providing several useful categories that deal with the vast majority of instances. Finally, he treats the subject of Jesus’ fulfillment of Leviticus. Throughout this excellent survey, Sklar is a sure-footed and clear guide.
In the commentary proper, each unit is treated in three ways. First, the context is set. Next, there is the commentary on a single verse or, more usually, several linked verses. Finally, Sklar attempts to explain the meaning for OT Israel then and the NT church now. Solar is abundantly talented in making sense of complicated matters without dumbing them down. Aiding this goal is that numerous tables that visually simplify and summarize the details of Levitical law are scattered throughout.
Sklar’s commentary is a delight to read. Those wanting more thorough commentary, detailed engagement with the Hebrew text, literary analysis, or a survey and rebuttal of scholarly opinions will want to go elsewhere. That said, this should not be overlooked by teachers as a “popular level” commentary that has nothing to offer the serious student. As with most of the TOTC volumes (or their NT counterparts), the content is rich and concise. For the reader of Leviticus who wants a clear and short commentary that doesn’t overlook the details, I cannot recommend a better work than Sklar’s Leviticus.
Many thanks to IVP for providing a review copy of this series. I was not required to provide a positive review.
September 11, 2017
I used this as my primary commentary whilst preaching through Leviticus over 9 weeks. Sklar was consistently thorough, giving attention to almost all of the issues I was looking for guidance on week by week. This volume is also a little more scholarly than I had expected from the Tyndale series -which was excellent. I share Sklar's basic theological outlook (Reformed-Evangelical), having found him via his articles on Leviticus on The Gospel Coalition website, which made his commentary user-friendly in my case. The "meaning" section after each chapter was very helpful, but I think tried to achieve too much, combining comments about each passage's significance to the original audience with New Testament application and the occasional hint at contemporary relevance. Highly recommended, along with Wenham in the NICOT series.
September 19, 2022
My pastor offered to lend me this book to answer a specific question I had about the laws in it and the other books of the Torah - which ones still apply to Bible-believing Christians and which ones don't? It gets hard when clearly moral laws, which are variations of the Ten Commandments and/or are reinforced in the NT are interspersed with clearly ceremonial laws and also with laws that are not clearly one or the other.
One law in particular that has concerned me is the one against marital sex during a woman's period - not that it affects me personally anymore, but I want to know! If nothing else, as an older woman it's my job to instruct younger women. I know that various churches and sects disagree on this. I have heard in particular of one increasingly culty church where this was preached on from the pulpit. (What really got me was that the pastor decreed that the wife - who probably had cramps and would really benefit by a comfy bed- had to sleep on the couch.)
This book did answer that particular question: Dr. Sklar believes that if a law refers to a ritual state it is no longer in force. So the laws about menses don't apply to us, because the woman's "uncleanness" was a ritual state. We Christians are also permitted to harvest the early crops from a fruit tree instead of considering it "unclean" for a certain number of years.
The book taught me more important things, though. It showed me that Israel was God's covenant people living with his royal palace - the tabernacle - in their midst. It showed me how gracious God was to give them the blood of their sacrifices to make atonement for their sins and uncleanness, so they could live with Him among them without bringing his wrath upon them. And of course we have a more perfect and lasting Sacrifice. It changed the way I pray the Lord's Prayer - "Forgive us out debts" is such a precious thing to be able to pray!
One law in particular that has concerned me is the one against marital sex during a woman's period - not that it affects me personally anymore, but I want to know! If nothing else, as an older woman it's my job to instruct younger women. I know that various churches and sects disagree on this. I have heard in particular of one increasingly culty church where this was preached on from the pulpit. (What really got me was that the pastor decreed that the wife - who probably had cramps and would really benefit by a comfy bed- had to sleep on the couch.)
This book did answer that particular question: Dr. Sklar believes that if a law refers to a ritual state it is no longer in force. So the laws about menses don't apply to us, because the woman's "uncleanness" was a ritual state. We Christians are also permitted to harvest the early crops from a fruit tree instead of considering it "unclean" for a certain number of years.
The book taught me more important things, though. It showed me that Israel was God's covenant people living with his royal palace - the tabernacle - in their midst. It showed me how gracious God was to give them the blood of their sacrifices to make atonement for their sins and uncleanness, so they could live with Him among them without bringing his wrath upon them. And of course we have a more perfect and lasting Sacrifice. It changed the way I pray the Lord's Prayer - "Forgive us out debts" is such a precious thing to be able to pray!
March 10, 2016
I have been blessed by Dr. Sklar's scholarship and preaching on Leviticus numerous times in my church, and I am grateful that this commentary exists so that others can benefit as well. I appreciate that the commentary can be used readily by scholars, seminarians, and ordinary congregants -- one can gain a great deal simply by reading the "Context" and "Meaning" sections for each chapter of Leviticus, but one can delve into the verse-by-verse commentary as needed.
I chose to go verse-by-verse, which made for an admittedly slow crawl through Leviticus over the past year or two (setting it aside and picking it back up a few times). It was completely worth it. It would be hard to come away from this commentary without a deepened love for God's Word, the beauty of his Law, and what he has done for us in Jesus. I expect to make use of it throughout my life.
I chose to go verse-by-verse, which made for an admittedly slow crawl through Leviticus over the past year or two (setting it aside and picking it back up a few times). It was completely worth it. It would be hard to come away from this commentary without a deepened love for God's Word, the beauty of his Law, and what he has done for us in Jesus. I expect to make use of it throughout my life.
May 21, 2018
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series is a stalwart study of God’s word that has been trusted for decades and will continue to be trusted for decades Moore. One of the newer volumes in this historic Legacy is the volume on Leviticus. The previous volume by R. K. Harrison has been supplanted buy the new volume by Jay Skler.
This is Jay Skler’s first foray into the Tyndale Testament Commentary series yet this is not his first attempt at a commentary itself. Skyer is a professor of Old Testament and Covenant Theological Seminary and is well known for his academic efforts in the study of Leviticus and the priesthood. All of his works are scholarly yet applicable to the pastor scholar. Yet the one that stands out Above the Rest is his commentary on The Book of Leviticus to self.
This volume is laid out in the same fashion as all Tyndale’s commentaries. With a short yet potent introduction followed by analysis and commentary. Yet what makes this work worthwhile is the additional notes and appendices that Skyer uses to explain and theology wise from a Biblical theological study in Leviticus. Specifically his excursus on unclean and pure animals in Leviticus as fascinating and applicable to anyone who is doing a study through the Book of Leviticus. Whether it be a pastor small group leader or Ministry leader, this excursus will explain very confusing and misunderstood parts of this book in the Pentateuch. Only weighing in at just shy of 340 pages this commentary shines as a bright spot and it already spectacular series.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This is Jay Skler’s first foray into the Tyndale Testament Commentary series yet this is not his first attempt at a commentary itself. Skyer is a professor of Old Testament and Covenant Theological Seminary and is well known for his academic efforts in the study of Leviticus and the priesthood. All of his works are scholarly yet applicable to the pastor scholar. Yet the one that stands out Above the Rest is his commentary on The Book of Leviticus to self.
This volume is laid out in the same fashion as all Tyndale’s commentaries. With a short yet potent introduction followed by analysis and commentary. Yet what makes this work worthwhile is the additional notes and appendices that Skyer uses to explain and theology wise from a Biblical theological study in Leviticus. Specifically his excursus on unclean and pure animals in Leviticus as fascinating and applicable to anyone who is doing a study through the Book of Leviticus. Whether it be a pastor small group leader or Ministry leader, this excursus will explain very confusing and misunderstood parts of this book in the Pentateuch. Only weighing in at just shy of 340 pages this commentary shines as a bright spot and it already spectacular series.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
December 9, 2018
Great resource. This commentary is great for pastors or lay people! Developing a richer understanding of the OT furthers one’s grasp of the NT, and Leviticus is an important window into the character of the Lord in providing grace so an unholy people can be in the presence of a holy God. Understanding Leviticus also cultivates appreciation and worship of Jesus Christ, and the perfect priest and perfect sacrifice that makes atonement for our sins.
There is also an accessible companion guide perfect for various contexts such as Bible studies to classes. There are multiple ways of going through it: one chapter a week or an assortment of 12 week studies to choose from.
Each lesson includes individual study time and then guided questions for group study.
Understanding Jesus is aided by understanding Leviticus, and this companion guide helps with understanding Leviticus.
There is also an accessible companion guide perfect for various contexts such as Bible studies to classes. There are multiple ways of going through it: one chapter a week or an assortment of 12 week studies to choose from.
Each lesson includes individual study time and then guided questions for group study.
Understanding Jesus is aided by understanding Leviticus, and this companion guide helps with understanding Leviticus.
October 16, 2023
Recommended for pastors and lay leaders looking for a good introduction to Leviticus. It is broad enough to survey most topics related to Leviticus while remaining succinct in its exposition.
This book lacks in application/pastoral care.
For serious students, this book is merely a stepping stone to the more technical details in Leviticus.
This book lacks in application/pastoral care.
For serious students, this book is merely a stepping stone to the more technical details in Leviticus.
October 27, 2025
This was a solid, easy to read commentary on Leviticus. Its readability does not reach that of Wenham and its depth is limited by the series, but Sklar will get you through this underrated book of the Bible with some energy and insight.
March 29, 2020
Very clear and very helpful.
May 18, 2025
Raises good questions
July 31, 2015
I have read the book of Leviticus many times because I knew that all of Scripture is "...profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." There was only one major problem: I did not understand much of the background or correlation with the rest of Scripture. A couple years ago I read Hebrews at the same time I was reading Leviticus and gained a greater appreciation for both the role of Christ as High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice, but I still did not have much understanding of the book as a whole. For this reason I decided I was going to study Leviticus with the assistance of a commentary.
I have appreciated the TOTC commentary series in the past and had heard good things about Jay Sklar's volume on Leviticus. For this reason, I decided to use this text to supplement my study of the text. I was pleased to find this to be an extremely accessible and useful text in growing in my understanding of Leviticus. Sklar does an excellent job of treating the text in the context of the covenant God was establishing with His people. In addition, Sklar is also helpful in showing how the text is in fact profitable in understanding the remainder of the Scriptures.
Through this study my desire for the word grew, my appreciation of the whole of Scripture grew, and my appreciation of the work of Christ grew. I have grown to see the grace that was offered when the book of Leviticus was given to the people of Israel. As Sklar notes, Leviticus offers an answer to the question left at the end of Exodus, "How in the world can the holy and pure King of the universe dwell among his sinful and implore people?" (27). Leviticus offers the answer to this question as it addresses how they were to honor their King, how they were to approach their King, how they were to live in the camp where their King was pleased to dwell, and how were they to live as the people of God. Sklar writes, "A longer, more fitting title would be: 'How to live as the holy priestly kingdom of the holy and heavenly King'." (28).
Sklar offers careful and helpful exegesis throughout the book, yet at an accessible level that is useful for pastors, layman, and academics.
I have appreciated the TOTC commentary series in the past and had heard good things about Jay Sklar's volume on Leviticus. For this reason, I decided to use this text to supplement my study of the text. I was pleased to find this to be an extremely accessible and useful text in growing in my understanding of Leviticus. Sklar does an excellent job of treating the text in the context of the covenant God was establishing with His people. In addition, Sklar is also helpful in showing how the text is in fact profitable in understanding the remainder of the Scriptures.
Through this study my desire for the word grew, my appreciation of the whole of Scripture grew, and my appreciation of the work of Christ grew. I have grown to see the grace that was offered when the book of Leviticus was given to the people of Israel. As Sklar notes, Leviticus offers an answer to the question left at the end of Exodus, "How in the world can the holy and pure King of the universe dwell among his sinful and implore people?" (27). Leviticus offers the answer to this question as it addresses how they were to honor their King, how they were to approach their King, how they were to live in the camp where their King was pleased to dwell, and how were they to live as the people of God. Sklar writes, "A longer, more fitting title would be: 'How to live as the holy priestly kingdom of the holy and heavenly King'." (28).
Sklar offers careful and helpful exegesis throughout the book, yet at an accessible level that is useful for pastors, layman, and academics.
June 8, 2016
Dr. Sklar is a fine scholar, but this work only scratches the surface of his work on Leviticus. Having had him in class, this series confines his teaching to too short of a volume. The commentary is still good and helpful, but could be much much better. Most of the controversial decisions he had to make were not sufficiently backed here. The introduction also sets several expectations that are not met by the book itself.
November 21, 2015
This is an excellent commentary on Leviticus. It is biblical, approachable, and practical. Though Leviticus can be an intimidating book, Sklar helps readers see how practical Leviticus is for today while also explaining some of the more difficult passages and how they relate to today.
October 31, 2024
Jay Sklar not only explains the reasons God gave the Israelites the laws and statutes contained in Leviticus, he also opens your eyes to what the book means to us in 2016.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews